Blog posts of '2013' 'June'

This technique can also be used with other beads, and even to create a floating effect. Because of the sharp edge crystal beads are not recommended though. Use a much heavier cord such as a # 6. The Griffin knotting cord for a floating effect should be passed through a curling iron in order to iron out the fold creases ;-)

Increase slightly the opening of three pearls so a doubled cord can pass twice through

String the three pearls on the doubled cord and slide them till the double knot

Attach the clasp:

Push the needle through a piece of French wire till about 6 cm from the pearls, string the clasp – push the needle back through the last threaded pearl – pull the cord gently while pushing the pearl against the French wire – the clasp will slide over the French wire and sit in the middle of a loop – behind the first pearl, make an overhand knot with the two pieces of cord – push the needle through the second pearl and push it against the knot – again make an overhand knot with the two pieces of cord – push the needle through the last pearl and put a drop of glue on the cord before making the last knot – cut off the short end

Advise: put also a drop of glue in the first knot

Instructions – how to knot pearls

Now you are ready to knot a strand of pearls – make sure there are no gaps between the pearls and the knots

String a pearl and slide it against the previous knot – make a loose overhand knot – slide the knot with your thumb and index finger towards the pearl – get your finger out of the loop – put a thick needle into the loop – maintain the knot against the pearl and pull the cord – take apart the doubled cord – pull gently on both cord ends – start over

Advise: instead of a thick needle you could use a pair of fine tweezers

If when finished you notice that the knots are slightly too tight and the necklace does not drape well, pull gently on the necklace to stretch the silk and wear it for a couple of hours.

The overhand knot

This is a knot you use often.

Place the cord while rotating over the hand – pull the end of the cord through the loop towards you - pull – make your knots always in the same direction

Remember your childhood, when you started to explore the world by putting things in your mouth. Well, the mouth test is still valid. Rub the pearls lightly on the biting surface of the upper teeth, the pearls feel rough and grainy. This is the real deal.

But visually, there is also a clear indication. On a row of real pearls, each pearl is different both in form and size as well as in color. You can also examine them under a magnifying glass and you will see that real thing has a scaly surface.

Rather a chemical test? Soak a pearl in an acetone solution for one minute. The luster should remain unchanged, whereas with imitation pearls its luster will disappear.

Necklaces: the different lengths.

From short to extra extra long, a strand of pearls is indeed perfect for any occasion. Through the ages each length received a proper name.

The traditional choker is the norm and this pearl strand measures between 36 and 40 cm. The shorter version is generally composed of three or more rows that hug the neck and it is called the collier de chien or dog collar.

Add to this the long lush rope or sautoir which measures more than a meter and goes all the way to the navel. This favorite of Coco Chanel is often doubled and decorates a bare back artfully. The somewhat shorter version, the opera measures between 80 and 90 cm. This latter version can be created by combining two chokers and fits very well with a turtleneck.

Between those two extremes, there are two other festive versions: the princess which is between 45 and 50 cm and the matinée with its 60 cm. After the choker, the princess is the most popular length. You can also use it to wear a pendant. As you can see, you are spoiled for choice.

Wearing pearls is maintaining pearls

Pearls and sensual pleasure are synonyms. So,

spray your perfume on before putting on jewelry

wear your pearls as often as possible – the contact with your skin and the air moisturizes them

and foremost, touch them as your hands are their natural polishing stone

So do not deny yourself the pleasure of knotting your own pearl necklace ... see part 2

Your shopping list for the June child: saltwater pearls, freshwater pearls ... but above all pearls.

Since the beginning of the 20th century freshwater cultured pearls have become very popular. This 'queen' of gemstones is unique in the fact that it does not need man's intervention to reveal its beauty, no faceting, no polishing. The modern birthstone of June is astonishing simple in its beauty.

It is said that the 'sincerity' of pearl promotes prosperity and success. Don't we all need some of that?